The funeral mass of Noreen and James McHugh, a wife and husband from Cill Chartha, Co Donegal, has heard they were soulmates, who have left a lasting legacy.
St Cartha’s Parish Church was full and hundreds stood outside to pay their respects to Ms and Mr McHugh who died in a road traffic collision this week.
In a message of sympathy, on behalf of the Diocese of Raphoe, Bishop Niall Coll said their tragic deaths cast a dark cloud over the diocese, county and beyond.
“On behalf of the Diocese of Raphoe, I express my great sorrow and my deepest sympathy on the tragic and untimely deaths of James and Noreen McHugh.
“James and Noreen were highly respected members of the Kilcar parish and of the county community,” he said.
Chief Celebrant Fr William Peoples said Noreen and James McHugh who began their relationship in secondary school, loved each other and their family deeply.
Noreen and James McHugh were laid to rest in Co Donegal today
“One just lived for the other, and that was very evident… they loved their family. That’s what was important: the love for the family unit,” he said.
Eoin McHugh told the congregation that he and his sister Emma had lost their best friends.
“For us, we have lost our best friends, our shoulders to cry on, our first phone call when something went wrong.
“We’ve lost our hero’s… we were spoilt with love and care and warmth and loads of food from mammy.
“Not everyone gets to meet their soulmate, but we have comfort in know that we can safely say that our mum and dad were meant for each other.
“They were always great for heading on their adventures and touring. They’d head off with their picnic and bags packed and seeing where the road takes them. Always together, always happy,” he said.
Fr Peoples said Noreen Mc Hugh, who spent many years as secretary to the local school played an important role in the formation of the education of children.
“She was the anchor in many ways of her local primary school, very pleasant and I found that she made it her business to make things easier for people.
“Nothing was ever a bother to Noreen McHugh. She is going to be a huge, huge miss,” he said.
We are numbed by their deaths but consoled by their legacy.
Fr Peoples asked members of the congregation who were children in the school to “and always keep a little prayer for Noreen and James,” because he said: “You will remember she played upon your formation her way, her calm way.”
Fr Peoples described James McHugh as “a very, very likable man,” who was a talented footballer, and that one of the proudest days was in 1992, when along with his brother Martin and the ’92 team, the came home with Sam Maguire.
“It was a fantastic time. It was a great time to rejoice in the county. It was a great time of togetherness among people.
“An All-Ireland medallist involved in club football and a man whose interests went on from that in his own quiet way,” he said.
Bishop Coll said Noreen McHugh as a wonderfully efficient and most loved secretary of the Parish school for over twenty years Noreen was treasured by the entire community.
In his message of sympathy, Bishop Niall Coll said James McHugh, who was also a dedicated club player with Cill Chartha, and a servant of the community with the ESB, held a special place in the hearts of people.
He said Noreen McHugh was the most wonderfully efficient and most loved secretary of the Parish school for over 20 years,” who “was treasured by the entire community”.
In his message, Bishop Coll said: “we are numbed by their deaths but consoled by their legacy.”
He expressed sincere sympathy to their children, brothers and sisters, members of the McHugh and O’Donnell families; to the Kilcar club, school and community and to all those whose lives were enriched by Noreen and James McHugh.
As The Homes of Donegal was sang poignantly in the church, the congregation joined in son.
Eoin McHugh concluded a tribute to his parents to applause from the funeral congregation.
“Our mum and dad are now heading on their last journey. Together forever, the way they always wanted to be.
“Beidh siad le chéile go deo anois. We love you, thank you, from Emma and Eoin,” he said.
A guard of honour lead the funeral cortege from St Cartha’s Church, one mile to the parish cemetery.
Ms McHugh’s school colleagues, Mr McHugh’s ESB colleagues, the 1992 All Ireland winning Donegal team, the current Donegal team and members of the Cill Chartha club lined the streets of the rural Gaeltacht village.
They walked alongside the funeral cortege as it made its way to the parish cemetery before Noreen and James McHugh were laid to rest.